Point Man Discharges Fire Extinguisher at Caretaker

The Stevens Point Courthouse. (City Times photo)

June 28, 2016

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By Jacob Mathias

After discharging a fire extinguisher in an attempt to harm his caretaker, a Stevens Point man faces felony charges.

Marvin Vestuto, 50 of Stevens Point, is charged with second degree reckless endangerment, a felony for which he could be punished with up to a $25,000 fine, or 10 years imprisonment or both if convicted. He is also charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct which carries a sentence of up to a $1,000 fine, or 90 days imprisonment or both.

A $2,000 signature bond has been set for Vestuto, who was scheduled to make his initial appearance in Portage Co. Circuit Court on June 27 but was rescheduled so Vestuto could obtain a public defender.

According to court documents, on April 19 Stevens Point police and fire crews responded to a fire alarm at a residence on the 600 block of Second Street. Upon arrival, officers met with a men who claimed to be Vestuto’s caretaker.

The caretaker told officers there was no fire at the residence. Prior to the alarm, the caretaker claimed Vestuto had asked the man to kill him, which he refused. According to the complaint, Vestuto then said if the caretaker wouldn’t kill him, he would kill the caretaker.

The caretaker also told police Vestuto had attempted to stab him several days prior.

According to the complaint, Vestuto began chasing the caretaker, who ran and hid in the laundry room. Vestuto then allegedly took a fire extinguisher and discharged it through the bottom gap of the laundry room door. The caretaker told police he had troubling breathing, and was unsuccessful in opening a window for air. Vestuto blocked the man’s exit when he attempted to leave the room.

The caretaker told police he believed he inhaled a lot of the extinguisher dust, and believed it also set off the fire alarm.

When officers attempted to question Vestuto, he refused to answer.

He returns to court on July 11 at 1:30 PM for his adjourned initial appearance.